LGBTQIA+ travelers: You can enhance the safety and comfort of your travel experience by considering how the laws, culture, and social norms of your destination may affect your experience. Don't hesitate to contact us with questions.
RESEARCH the LGBTQIA+ climate of your host country. Explore different resources such as newspapers, LGBTQIA+friendly travel guides, and e-magazines to gain a better understanding of what the social perception is of members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Review the U.S. Department of State's country information pages for current and up to date information specific to LGBTQIA+ travelers (under Local Laws & Special Circumstances) and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details, as well as crowdsourced information such Equaldex.
TALK with other LGBTQIA+ and allied people about their experiences in specific countries or regions.
UNDERSTAND the context, customs, laws and attitudes in your host country. Similar expressions or behaviors may have vastly different meanings in different places. In some locations open expressions of your sexual orientation might be criticized.
Keep in mind that once outside the United States you are no longer protected by U.S. laws. If same-sex acts are illegal in your host country and you are caught engaging in them, or presumed to have engaged in them, you could be arrested and imprisoned in that country.
It is important to reflect on the culturally based ideas and definitions of sexual identity and consider carefully how your identity as a LGBTQIA+ person may affect your relationships with host country nationals, your cultural adjustment, and your overall off campus experience.
Questions for LGBTQIA+ Travelers to Consider
About You:
- How open will I be about my sexual orientation and gender identity with my advisors, peers, friends, and others?
- How important is it to me to find other LGBTQIA+ travelers and friends while abroad? How will I make connections with LGBTQIA+ students, colleagues, local residents, or community organizations? What are my expectations about seeking and finding community?
- Will I need access to any medications, supplies, or services due to my transgender status? Are they available in my host country? If not, will I need any additional documentation to travel with my medication or supplies?
- What are my safety needs and perceptions, and how can they best be met? Is the program able to make accommodations for students who request single rooms, private baths, or specific roommates?
- What resources are available in my host country for LGBTQIA+ people?
About the Culture of Your Host Country:
- What are the cultural attitudes toward sexual orientation and gender identity in my host country?
- What are considered typical male and female social behaviors, customary gender relations, and social patterns in the host country?
- What may make the coming out process different in the host country compared to the U.S.?
- What are the norms and behavioral expectations within LGBTQIA+ communities in my host country?
- What is the social perception of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people in my host country? How are LGBTQIA+ people socially defined? What roles do transgender people play in the host culture?
About Your Host Country's Laws:
- Are there "public indecency/decency" laws? Or any laws that criminalize same-sex sexual relationships, or ways men and women socially interact?
- What is the age of consent? Does it differ for heterosexual versus same-sex couples?
- Does the law require having "proper documentation" at all times?
- What is the general police attitude toward the local LGBTQIA+ community?
- Is the law applied the same in rural areas as in urban areas?
About Perceptions of People from the U.S and LGBTQIA+ People:
- What's the attitude of local residents toward people from the U.S., people of other nationalities, "tourists," and LGBTQIA+ "tourists"?
- What's the general police attitude towards the same as above?
- What's the general police attitude toward LGBTQIA+ people who are visiting the country?
Tips to keep in mind
- If you experience difficulties, don’t be afraid to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They are available 24/7 at every embassy who provide emergency assistance to Americans. They won’t pass judgment on you and will protect your privacy.
- Be alert and try to avoid potentially unsafe environments. Look out for yourself and your friends, especially late at night.
- Use discretion. As an American, you may already stand out. Outside gay neighborhoods or resorts, public displays of affection may draw even more attention.
- Be wary of entrapment campaigns, where law enforcement officers pose as a potential partner to lure LGBTQIA+ people into outing themselves. Entrapment campaigns typically occur via social media, chat rooms, and dating apps, where law enforcement agents create fake accounts to gather information on LGBTQIA+ people in countries with anti-homosexuality laws.
Housing: WPI houses off-campus program participants in a variety of accommodations. Most students live in self-catered apartments, some are in residence halls, and others are in houses. Be sure that you research housing options will make you comfortable. You can find more details on eProjects and contact Global Experience Office via phone (508-831-4804) or email (global@wpi.edu) to review questions or set up an appointment to discuss your options.
With thanks to ASU Study Abroad and MSU Office of International Health and Safety for content and layout.
Resources:
Disclaimer: Global Experience Office provides the following links for informational purposes only. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information contained in the linked websites and do not specifically endorse any organization, information, or products associated with those websites. We encourage travelers to consult multiple sources to make informed decisions.
LGBTQ+ Support at WPI
Sexual Orientation Laws in the World (MAP)
RAINBOW SIG (Special Interest Group of NAFSA: Association of International Educators)
OutRight Action International
International Lesbian and Gay Association
National Center for Transgender Equality
United States Department of State - LGBTI Travel Information
Center for Disease Control LGBTQ Youth Resources
National Center for Transgender Equality
LGBT Rights Around the World - an interactive map from TheGuardian.com of the legal rights of people in the LGBTQIA community